Midterm 2 Flashcards
1
Q
A
2
Q
[Russia] What type of regime governs Russia today?
A
Federal semi-presidential republic with authoritarian characteristics.
3
Q
[Russia] Who is the head of state in Russia?
A
The President (currently Vladimir Putin as of 2025).
4
Q
[Russia] What is the term length for the Russian President?
A
6 years (limit of two consecutive terms, reset by 2020 amendment).
5
Q
[Russia] What is the structure of Russia’s legislature?
A
Bicameral – State Duma (450 members) and Federation Council (170 members).
6
Q
[Russia] How are State Duma members elected?
A
Half (225) by proportional representation, half (225) by single-member districts.
7
Q
[Russia] What is the dominant political party in Russia?
A
United Russia.
8
Q
[Russia] What is the function of the Federation Council?
A
Upper house representing Russia’s federal subjects; reviews legislation passed by the Duma.
9
Q
[Russia] Who appoints the Prime Minister in Russia?
A
The President, with approval from the State Duma.
10
Q
[Russia] How many federal subjects does Russia have?
A
85 federal subjects.
11
Q
[Russia] What is the dominant religion in Russia?
A
Russian Orthodox Christianity.
12
Q
[Russia] What is the ethnic composition of Russia?
A
~80% ethnic Russian, with minorities including Tatars, Ukrainians, and Bashkirs.
13
Q
[Russia] What is the major concern about Russia’s population?
A
Declining population due to low fertility and high mortality.
14
Q
[Russia] What is the role of the Constitutional Court?
A
Interprets the constitution; part of the judiciary.
15
Q
[Russia] What was the purpose of Gorbachev’s reforms (Perestroika and Glasnost)?
A
Economic restructuring and political openness; ultimately failed to prevent USSR’s collapse.
16
Q
[Russia] What major conflict currently defines Russia’s foreign policy?
A
Ongoing war and tensions with Ukraine.
17
Q
[Russia] How would you classify Russia’s elections?
A
Technically competitive, but heavily manipulated and unfair.
18
Q
[Russia] How is civil society restricted in Russia?
A
Through laws against foreign-funded NGOs and media censorship.
19
Q
[Russia] What are Russia’s strategic energy resources?
A
Oil and natural gas.
20
Q
[Russia] How does Russia project power abroad?
A
Through military intervention (e.g., Syria, Ukraine) and energy exports.
21
Q
[Russia] Would you consider Russia a democracy? Why or why not?
A
No; elections are held but lack fairness, opposition is repressed, and power is centralized in the executive.
22
Q
[China] What type of political system governs China?
A
One-party socialist state dominated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
23
Q
[China] Who holds the most powerful position in China’s political system?
A
The General Secretary of the Communist Party (currently Xi Jinping).
24
Q
[China] What is the term length and limit for the President of China?
A
5 years; no term limits after the 2018 constitutional amendment.
25
[China] What is the National People's Congress (NPC)?
China’s unicameral legislature, nominally the highest organ of state power, with ~3,000 members.
26
[China] How often does the NPC meet, and what are its powers?
Annually; it passes laws, approves the budget, and ratifies major decisions (mostly symbolic).
27
[China] What body vets and selects top Communist Party leaders?
The Politburo Standing Committee (top ~7 officials).
28
[China] What is the function of the Central Committee in the CCP?
Sets general party policies and elects the Politburo.
29
[China] Who oversees day-to-day governance in China?
The Premier (head of government), who manages the State Council.
30
[China] How is the judiciary structured in China?
Hierarchical; includes the Supreme People’s Court and local people’s courts.
31
[China] Are elections held in China?
Yes, at the village level, but higher offices are appointed or indirectly elected within the party-state structure.
32
[China] What is the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC)?
A symbolic advisory body with no formal legislative power.
33
[China] What is China’s policy on civil society and free speech?
Heavily restricted; NGOs and media are tightly monitored and controlled.
34
[China] What is China's official ideology?
Socialism with Chinese characteristics; blending Marxism-Leninism with market-oriented reforms.
35
[China] What role does the People's Liberation Army (PLA) play?
Military force under absolute CCP control, not the state.
36
[China] What is the ethnic composition of China?
~92% Han Chinese; 55 officially recognized minority groups.
37
[China] What are the major challenges in China's political culture?
Balancing economic liberalization with political authoritarianism.
38
[China] What kind of economy does China have?
State capitalism: market reforms with significant state ownership/control.
39
[China] What major foreign policy initiative has China promoted globally?
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to expand global infrastructure and influence.
40
[China] What environmental challenge is a key political issue?
Pollution and climate change; China is the largest carbon emitter, but also a leader in renewables.
41
[China] How is power transferred within China’s government?
Elite selection within the CCP hierarchy; not via democratic elections.
42
[India] What type of political system governs India?
Federal parliamentary democratic republic.
43
[India] Who is the head of government in India?
The Prime Minister (currently Narendra Modi as of 2025).
44
[India] Who is the ceremonial head of state in India?
The President, elected by an electoral college for a 5-year term.
45
[India] What is the structure of India’s legislature?
Bicameral Parliament: Lok Sabha (lower house) and Rajya Sabha (upper house).
46
[India] How many members are in the Lok Sabha, and how are they elected?
545 members, elected by first-past-the-post for 5-year terms.
47
[India] How many members are in the Rajya Sabha, and how are they elected?
245 members, elected indirectly by state legislatures using proportional representation.
48
[India] What is the electoral system used in Lok Sabha elections?
First-past-the-post in single-member constituencies.
49
[India] What are India’s major political parties?
BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), Congress (INC), AAP, and regional parties.
50
[India] What is the Panchayati Raj system?
India’s three-tier system of local governance at the village, block, and district levels.
51
[India] What religious groups make up India's population?
~80% Hindu, ~14% Muslim, remainder Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain.
52
[India] What are major ethnic and linguistic features of India?
Over 2,000 ethnic groups and 1,600+ languages; 22 official languages.
53
[India] What type of judiciary does India have?
Independent judiciary, led by the Supreme Court, with state High Courts and lower courts.
54
[India] What historical event led to India’s independence?
British colonial rule ended in 1947 after a peaceful independence movement led by Gandhi and Nehru.
55
[India] What was the Nehru Dynasty’s role in Indian politics?
Dominated post-independence politics through Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi.
56
[India] What is the Kashmir conflict?
A territorial dispute between India and Pakistan, both claiming the region, with frequent violence and military tension.
57
[India] What economic group is India a member of?
BRICS, along with Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa.
58
[India] What are key civil society features in India?
Active NGOs, student groups, and mass protest culture, but also government restrictions on foreign-funded NGOs.
59
[India] What role does caste play in Indian society?
Constitutionally outlawed but still socially and politically significant, especially in elections.
60
[India] What party emerged from anti-corruption activism?
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal.
61
[India] What recent constitutional change affected Kashmir?
Article 370 was revoked in 2019, ending Kashmir’s special autonomous status.
62
[Iran] What type of political system governs Iran?
A hybrid theocracy and republic, combining clerical authority with elected institutions.
63
[Iran] Who holds the most powerful position in Iran’s government?
The Supreme Leader, currently Ali Khamenei (lifetime position, chosen by the Assembly of Experts).
64
[Iran] What powers does the Supreme Leader have?
Controls the military, judiciary, state broadcasting, IRGC, and can overrule all other branches.
65
[Iran] Who is the head of government in Iran?
The President, elected every 4 years by popular vote (max 2 terms), but subordinate to the Supreme Leader.
66
[Iran] What is the structure of Iran’s legislature?
Unicameral – the Majlis (Islamic Consultative Assembly) with 290 members elected every 4 years.
67
[Iran] What body vets candidates and can veto laws in Iran?
The Guardian Council: 12 members (6 clerics appointed by Supreme Leader, 6 jurists approved by Majlis).
68
[Iran] What is the role of the Assembly of Experts?
88 elected clerics who select and can remove the Supreme Leader (though this has never happened).
69
[Iran] What is the Expediency Council?
Resolves disputes between the Majlis and Guardian Council and advises the Supreme Leader.
70
[Iran] How are presidential and parliamentary elections conducted in Iran?
Direct popular vote, but candidates are heavily vetted by the Guardian Council.
71
[Iran] What is the role of the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps)?
Elite military force loyal to the Supreme Leader; has major political and economic influence.
72
[Iran] What is Iran’s official state religion?
Twelver Shi’a Islam (recognized in the 1979 Constitution as the foundation of the state).
73
[Iran] What are the dominant political factions in Iran?
Principlists (conservatives), Reformists, and Hardliners; parties are loosely organized.
74
[Iran] How free is civil society in Iran?
Highly restricted: press, NGOs, protests, and women’s rights groups face surveillance, arrests, and censorship.
75
[Iran] What major 1979 event reshaped Iran’s political system?
The Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the Shah and established a theocratic republic under Ayatollah Khomeini.
76
[Iran] What was the 2009 Green Movement?
Mass protests over alleged election fraud in Ahmadinejad’s reelection; harshly repressed.
77
[Iran] What is the structure of Iran’s judiciary?
Based on Islamic (Sharia) law; overseen by Chief Justice appointed by Supreme Leader.
78
[Iran] What is Iran’s stance on nuclear development?
Claims peaceful purposes, but global powers fear weaponization; subject of sanctions and failed negotiations.
79
[Iran] What are Iran’s foreign policy priorities?
Opposes U.S. and Israel, supports proxy groups (Hezbollah, Houthis), and seeks regional influence.
80
[Iran] How are alcohol and drug use treated in Iran?
Alcohol is banned; Iran has high opioid addiction rates; drug offenses can lead to execution.
81
[Iran] What is the role of religion in Iranian politics?
Religion is central; governance is based on Velayat-e faqih (rule of the Islamic jurist).
82
[Mexico] What type of political system governs Mexico?
Federal presidential constitutional republic.
83
[Mexico] Who is the head of state and government in Mexico?
The President, elected directly for a single 6-year term (sexenio).
84
[Mexico] What is the structure of Mexico’s legislature?
Bicameral National Congress: Chamber of Deputies (500 members) and Senate (128 members).
85
[Mexico] How are members of the Chamber of Deputies elected?
300 by first-past-the-post, 200 by proportional representation.
86
[Mexico] How are Senators elected?
96 by first-past-the-post, 32 by proportional representation.
87
[Mexico] Can Mexican legislators be reelected?
Yes, since 2014 reforms: Deputies (up to 4 terms), Senators (up to 2 terms).
88
[Mexico] What is the National Electoral Institute (INE)?
Independent body that oversees federal elections and ensures transparency.
89
[Mexico] What was the dominant political party from 1929 to 2000?
The PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party).
90
[Mexico] What marked the end of PRI's uninterrupted rule?
The election of PAN’s Vicente Fox in 2000.
91
[Mexico] What are Mexico’s major political parties today?
MORENA (left), PAN (right), PRI (center), PRD, MC, and others.
92
[Mexico] What is Mexico’s system of local government?
Federal system with 31 states + Mexico City, each with elected governors and legislatures.
93
[Mexico] What is the judiciary structure in Mexico?
Led by the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation; judges nominated by President, confirmed by Senate.
94
[Mexico] What are the major features of Mexico's political culture?
History of authoritarianism, now increasingly pluralistic, but high distrust in institutions remains.
95
[Mexico] What was the 'Porfiriato'?
Rule of Porfirio Díaz (1876–1911): modernization + authoritarianism and repression.
96
[Mexico] What key reforms did the 1917 Constitution introduce?
Land reform, labor rights, secularism, and state control of natural resources.
97
[Mexico] What role did NAFTA (1994) play in Mexico’s economy?
Boosted exports and manufacturing, but increased inequality and dependency on U.S. markets.
98
[Mexico] What trade agreement replaced NAFTA?
The USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), enacted in 2020.
99
[Mexico] What is PEMEX?
Mexico’s state-owned oil company; key to national economic strategy.
100
[Mexico] What is the current strategy under AMLO regarding oil?
Reasserting state control, rolling back foreign investment in the energy sector.
101
[Mexico] What is the major public security challenge in Mexico?
The drug war: cartels, corruption, militarization, and high homicide rates.
102
[Mexico] What are current migration issues involving Mexico?
Mexico is a source and transit country; it cooperates with the U.S.
103
What is PEMEX?
Mexico’s state-owned oil company; key to national economic strategy.
104
What is the current strategy under AMLO regarding oil?
Reasserting state control, rolling back foreign investment in the energy sector.
105
What is the major public security challenge in Mexico?
The drug war: cartels, corruption, militarization, and high homicide rates.
106
What are current migration issues involving Mexico?
Mexico is a source and transit country; it cooperates with the U.S. on border enforcement under diplomatic pressure.
107
What is the role of civil society in Mexico?
Vibrant and growing, with active journalists, human rights groups, and protest movements — but also facing violence.
108
What is the importance of remittances to Mexico’s economy?
One of the top sources of foreign income, sent by migrants in the U.S.
109
How does the U.S. affect Mexico’s drug violence?
U.S. demand for drugs and illegal firearms trafficking are key contributors to Mexico’s violence.
110
What type of political system governs Brazil?
Federal presidential constitutional republic, based on the 1988 Constitution.
111
Who is the head of state and government in Brazil?
The President, elected by popular vote for a 4-year term, renewable once.
112
How is the President of Brazil elected?
Through a two-round system: candidate must win majority or face a runoff.
113
What is the structure of Brazil’s legislature?
Bicameral National Congress: Chamber of Deputies (513 members), Federal Senate (81 members).
114
How are Chamber of Deputies members elected?
By open-list proportional representation for 4-year terms.
115
How are Brazilian Senators elected?
First-past-the-post system, 3 per state, for 8-year terms.
116
What is the role of the Supreme Federal Court (STF)?
Highest judicial authority; interprets the constitution; justices appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
117
What is the role of the Superior Electoral Court (TSE)?
Oversees and regulates all elections in Brazil.
118
What is the role of the Public Prosecutor’s Office?
Independent watchdog agency; investigates corruption and enforces accountability.
119
How is Brazil’s party system described?
Highly fragmented multiparty system; frequent coalition governments.
120
What are Brazil’s major political parties?
PT (Workers' Party), PL (Bolsonaro’s party), PSDB, MDB, among others.
121
What role does Lula da Silva play in Brazilian politics?
PT leader, President (2003–2010, 2023–present); prominent left-wing figure.
122
What was the Lava Jato (Car Wash) scandal?
A massive corruption investigation involving politicians, construction firms, and Petrobras.
123
What is Brazil’s system of local government?
Federal system with 26 states + 1 Federal District + 5,000+ municipalities; governors and mayors are elected.
124
What was the military regime period in Brazil?
1964–1985: Authoritarian military rule, ended with negotiated democratization.
125
What are the ethnic demographics of Brazil?
Highly diverse: ~47% White, ~43% Pardo (mixed), ~8% Black, ~1% Indigenous.
126
What is Brazil’s official language and religion?
Portuguese; majority Roman Catholic, with growing Evangelical population.
127
What is Brazil’s approach to energy?
Leader in renewables: ~60% of electricity from hydropower, plus major use of ethanol biofuel.
128
What challenges does Brazil face in the Amazon region?
Deforestation, illegal logging, indigenous rights violations, and global environmental criticism.
129
What regional trade bloc is Brazil a leading member of?
Mercosur, along with Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
130
Is Brazil still considered a BRICS country?
Yes, but its economic growth has slowed; still plays a key role in global south alliances.
131
What is Brazil’s biggest domestic challenge today?
Economic inequality, combined with urban violence and persistent political corruption.
132
How does Brazil approach crime and security?
Heavy militarization of police, but plagued by police brutality and corruption.
133
What ideology is dominant in Brazil’s political culture?
Deep commitment to democracy, but tolerance for populism and personalist leadership is high.
